NFL Week 18 First Touchdown Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions (2024)

by Trent Conner |
Jan 05, 2024

Someone must score the first touchdown of the game, and this article will help you increase your odds of hitting on that player based on matchups and team strengths. It will feature a selection for each game of the Sunday slate.

I will track my plays here on BettingPros. Let's get to the first touchdown scorer predictions for NFL Week 18.

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NFL Week 18 First Touchdown Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Bijan Robinson (RB â€“ ATL): +650 via DraftKings Sportsbook

These teams are top-10 in points allowed per game and have middling offenses. Scores are scarce, so the best option is one of the players who will touch the ball more than 15 times. Robinson has had 18 or more touches in consecutive games, which is uncommon because Arthur Smith is unpredictable with his playcalling. The Saints give up 122.5 rushing yards per game, so Robinson should be the workhorse this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

DeAndre Hopkins (WR â€“ TEN): +900 via DraftKings Sportsbook

The Titans have little to play for this week but could upend the Jaguars' season. Hopkins has some contract incentives attainable this week, but that is not the reason to take him. He has a great matchup this week against the Jaguars secondary. They allow 245.2 passing yards per game, and Hopkins averages 7.9 targets per game. He does not know if Ryan Tannehill or Will Levis will be his quarterback, but it should not matter too much. It has not mattered much who has played quarterback for him his entire career, so this week will not be any different.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Justin Jefferson (WR â€“ MIN): +750 via DraftKings Sportsbook

Jefferson has the best matchup of the game against the Lions' secondary. They have allowed 240.4 passing yards per game and have been good at stopping the run. The Vikings have an outside chance of making the playoffs, but they must win this game. They still need a couple of other outcomes to occur, but they will not be throwing in the towel. Jefferson has had 10 targets in three consecutive games since coming back full-time. He should be in play even though Nick Mullens is his quarterback.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Ezekiel Elliott (RB â€“ NE): +460 via FanDuel Sportsbook

Elliott has received an opportunity to prove that he is still a workhorse back and has been performing well, especially in the passing game. Rhamondre Stevenson's last game played was in Week 13. Zeke averages about 15 carries and almost seven targets per game since Week 14 and has scored in three of the four games. The Patriots both backs a lot in their first meeting with the Jets. Stevenson had 19 carries, and Elliott finished that game with 16 carries for 80 yards. He is undoubtedly the most likely player to score in this game, with a 30-point total.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Rachaad White (WR â€“ TB): +430 via FanDuel Sportsbook

White is the obvious play and will probably be the most popular wager. The Panthers are awful against the run and have been for the entire season. White ran 20 times for 84 yards and a touchdown in their first meeting while contributing three receptions for 22 yards. He averages 4.1 targets per game and 3.6 yards per attempt. The Panthers allow 123 rushing yards per game and have allowed 24 total touchdowns to the running back position.

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Zach Charbonnet (RB â€“ SEA): +1100 via DraftKings Sportsbook

The Seahawks are outside the playoff picture, but their chances of making the playoffs increase to 44% with a win over the Cardinals. The Cardinals have allowed the most receiving touchdowns to the running back position this year, and Charbonnet has played well in that role this season. He played 57% of snaps last week and caught all five targets for 39 yards. He is also +550 on FanDuel, so this has great value.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

Khalil Herbert (RB â€“ CHI): +800 via DraftKings Sportsbook

Herbert has 38 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games. He has also split snaps with Roschon Johnson in those games. The backfield should remain even in the snap count, but Herbert should continue to get the most work on the ground. The Packers allow 131.6 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. Herbert should have another monster game with his 4.9 yards per carry this season. He is as low as +500 on other sportsbooks, so lock in this number now.

Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White (RB â€“ LV): +500 via FanDuel Sportsbook

Josh Jacobs has not practiced this week and will be a game-time decision in the season finale against the Broncos. Neither of these teams are in playoff contention, so it would not be surprising if Jacobs does not play. White has been stellar the past three weeks. He has run for 285 yards and 11 targets during that stretch. The Broncos' defense allows 137.6 rushing yards per game. White should have ample room to run against this unit. His odds increased due to Jacobs' status, so do not hesitate.

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders

Brandin Cooks (WR â€“ DAL): +12000 via FanDuel Sportsbook

Cooks has seven touchdowns on the season and has scored in consecutive weeks. The Commanders struggle against the pass, and Cooks has burnt them before. He caught four of five targets for 72 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders in week 12. They will have their hands tied trying to stop CeeDee Lamb, who has been on a tear this season and will struggle to match up with Cooks.

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:

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